Lockheed Martin is set to deliver 14 four-pack patriot missiles and seven launcher modification kits to Kuwait as part of a $263.4 million sale expected to be completed by June 30, 2016. The missiles were designed to defeat ballistic missile threats, cruise missile threats and aircraft.

Delivery of the patriot missiles to Kuwait is part of a larger initiative by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to bolster missile defense in the region, according to Matthew Hedges of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai.

“Kuwait is surrounded by large neighbors with extensive missile inventories and wants to independently protect its array of critical infrastructure that their economy relies on,” he said.